Agenda item

The Commissioner updated the panel on the progress made in developing his Police and Crime Plan.  He emphasised that there would be wide consultation with both partners and other bodies and that he was particularly interested in hearing from the public. 

The Panel thanked Mr Adams for his presentation and after a number of questions the following information was noted:

·       The consultation period was for 4 weeks.  The panel were concerned that this was a short period of time for such an important document.  It was explained that the consultation would be extensive and therefore hopefully effective. 

·       Hard to reach groups such as BME groups would be encouraged to comment on the plan, however, there was no intention as yet to translate the plan into other languages.

·       All forms of social media would be used to reach as many people as possible.  Paper copies would be available if needed.

·       Young people were being encouraged to share their opinion.  Schools and Colleges were part of the consultation programme.

·       All Parish, District, County and City Councillors would be contacted.

·       Road safety was in both the Police and Crime and Fire and Rescue plans as it was a significant issue in the County.

·       Early intervention and clear expectations were needed with partners in order to reduce people entering the penal system and reduce reoffending.

·       Delivery Plans would be developed to ensure that the priorities would be achieved.  These would be performance monitored regularly and could be considered by the Panel when looking at the priorities in detail.

·       Following a question on how process could be quickened, for example in the Courts system, it was explained that partnerships would need to work together to ensure that backlogs were cleared and more effective ways of working could be introduced for example, ensuring that all appropriate documents were available on time to ensure adjournments weren’t required, or plea bargaining done in advance etc.  The Commissioner felt that although he may not have control over a particular organisation, he could direct influence and could hopefully bring people together.

·       It was acknowledged that some partnerships had not always worked effectively in the past and had not delivered on targets.  The Commissioner felt that the right partnerships had to be established and this took time.  Service demand also changed over time and being able to forge new relationships/agreements quickly was important.

·       The Commissioners Plans would work alongside the Police force priority plans.  The Police and Crim Plan would set out clear expectations with clear achievable targets.

·       The new Chief Constable and Chief Fire Officer had been engaged in the process of drawing up the draft plans.

·       The aim was to reduce the number of crimes and it was acknowledged that this meant overall levels of crime and not simply reducing numbers in some areas by redirecting effort/resources leading to an increase in other types of crime or in other geographical areas.

·       Witness and Victim Support Services would be delivered with a number of partners/agencies.  New structures may be developed but the relationship with the Community Safety Partnerships would remain.

·       The Commissioner agreed to look at a scheme previously introduced in Medway, to reduce the number of young people entering the penal system.

·       Volunteers would be encouraged.  There were currently a number on scrutiny panels, ETAP, custody suits, appropriate adults etc but this was looking to expand.

·       Rural crime and trespass need to be included in the plan.

The Panel were reassured that the consultation would be comprehensive and wide ranging and a rolling conversation which would remain an open discussion supplemented by further surveys and questionnaires.  However, they felt that four weeks may not be long enough particularly when consulting with partners who may not meet to consider responses on a frequent basis.  Examples were given of a District Council whose meetings were every six weeks or a Parish Council which meets every two months.  There was also concern that contacting young people  maybe difficult when one week of the four was during half term.

The Panel asked to see the finalised version of the plan along with details of the number of responses received and a breakdown of gender, age, ethnicity, organisations etc. It was agreed to scrutinise the overall performance and each priority at future meetings.

RESOLVED: That the Commissioners Police and Crime Draft plan and consultation report be noted.